Enzyme Product Guidelines: A Resource

This compilation of information is Copyright 2005 by http://www.organicgreens.us and Loring Windblad. This article may be freely copied and used on other web sites only if it is copied complete with all links and text, including this header, intact and unchanged except for minor improvements such as misspellings and typos.

When considering an enzyme product, think about WHY you want to use enzymes and what goals you would like to achieve. The following products have been found beneficial by those with various conditions under real life practical use as reported by families. This is not a complete list. Most every supplement vendor sells some type of enzyme product. See my article on How to Read an Enzyme Label for additional information. Listing and/or linking below is not in any way an endorsement by the author. See disclaimer

If you are wanting to leave a casein-free, gluten-free (soy-free) diet:

1. Peptizyde by Houston Nutraceuticals - found to be effective enough for this purpose for many people. First product successfully used instead of casein-free, gluten-free diet.
2. AFP Peptizyde by Houston – protease product effective for casein and gluten control but does not contain any fruit-derived enzymes

If you are wanting to stay on a casein-free, gluten-free diet (soy- free) and supplement with enzymes:

1. Peptizyde by Houston Nutraceuticals
2. AFP Peptizyde by Houston – does not contain fruit-derived enzymes for those sensitive to phenols or not wanting the "distinctive" taste and smell of papain
3. SerenAid by Klaire Labs
4. other 'strong' protease products may also help here

If you want a broad-spectrum all-purpose product for all foods OTHER THAN casein and gluten (although some may help a little with casein and gluten too):

1. Zyme Prime by Houston Nutraceuticals– contains rice bran
2. Vital Zyme Forte by Klaire Labs – contains beet root powder, in gelatin capsules
3. Carbo by Enzymedica – does not contain any fillers, contains less protease than Digest; does not contain fruit-derived enzymes helpful for those with phenol sensitivities
4. Digest by Enzymedica – does not contain any fillers, contains probiotics; does not contain fruit-derived enzymes helpful for those with phenol sensitivities
5. Digest Gold by Enzymedica– does not contain any fillers, approximately 3 times stronger than Digest; does not contain fruit-derived enzymes helpful for those with phenol sensitivities
6 . Ultra-zyme Plus by Thropps Nutrition - no fillers, includes ionic minerals
7 . Most every supplement vendor offers some type of broad-spectrum enzyme product. Some are not very strong, others (such as these listed) have good activity levels or 'strength.'

Notes: No-Fenol has been seen to be very effective on yeast, not much first_hand experience is available for the other products, but they are available. For yeast control, give these products in between meals, either one hour before eating or 2 hours after eating. Yeast control with the cellulase products is more effective if there proteases are given along with it. If you take these product with meals they will help with yeast a little and also break down much of the more fibrous foods eaten (complex carbs, fruits, and vegetables). Work great together with some sort of yeast killer or antifungal. These enzymes may also helpful with Specific Carbohydrate Diet.

If you want a strong protease to assist with yeast and bacteria control, immune system support, gut healing, and other uses:

If you want a product for phenols, or if you are sensitive to phenols:

1. No-Fenol by Houston - found to be very effective for phenolic foods, artificial colorings,
flavorings, and other phenolic compounds.
2. AFP Peptizyde by Houston – protease product effective for casein and gluten control but does not contain any fruit_derived enzymes
3. Enzymedica products Carbo, Digest, Digest Gold, Gastro, Candidase, Purify do not contain fruit_derived enzymes; only the product Repair contains fruit_derived enzymes

Note: May be helpful with Feingold Program, particularly going from Stage 1 to Stage 2.

If you want a "gentler" product for a very injured gut:

1. Gastro by Enzymedica contains no proteases, and does contain amylase, lipase, cellulase and 4 herbs to aid in gut healing
2. No_Fenol, Candex, or Candidade may be helpful with conditions such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's, celiac, irritable bowel syndrome, irritable bowel disease, and other conditions caused by bacteria, yeast, and inflammation in the gut. It helps to keep the roughage down to not irritate the gut lining, as well as fight yeast directly.

If you wants a high lipase product:

1. Lypo by Enzymedica
2. Digest Gold by Enzymedica – does not contain any fillers, approximately 3 times stronger than Digest; does not contain fruit_derived enzymes helpful for those with phenol sensitivities
3. Some people do well with prescription pancreatic enzyme products for this purpose

Many people with autism (and other conditions) may have gastrointestinal problems so great that ANY product can bring a little improvement. Just keep in mind that further improvement may be possible as well.

Note: Enzymedica products are available in health food stores or online. You can search for the best price online. All products come in veggie capsules except for Klaire products which come in gelatin. When comparing prices, please note if the quantities given are for one, two, or more capsules, and how many capsules are in a bottle. Houston products contain rice bran, Klaire products contain beet root powder, and Enzymedica products contain no fillers, Thropps Nutrition contains no fillers but does contain ionic minerals. Most people find these ingredients are not a problem even if they are "intolerant" of them initially. However, please note these if they are a concern for you.

There are at least 9 brands all claiming to be the "best" or "most potent" or "most comprehensive" or "best value" or "best all around enzyme product" – please take any such claim with not only a grain of salt but an entire shaker.

The author personally endorses only one of these products, but with reservations. Feel free to contact the author by email for additional information.

Disclaimer: These articles in no way should be taken as medical advice on any product or condition, nor do they constitute in any way medical advice endorsing any specific product, specific result, nor any possible cure for any condition or problem. They are meant as a source of information upon which you may base your decision as to whether or not you should begin using a greens product as a dietary supplement. If in doubt, or if you have questions, you should consult your physician and, if possible, consult a second physician for a possible different opinion. The author bears no responsibility for your decisions nor for the outcome of your actions based upon those decisions.

About the Author:

Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer.